Firstly, apologies if this is the wrong area of the forum, but I figured since I'm not actually selling anything (yet) I shouldn't put it in the sale section.

I'm thinking about selling my TJ and getting something a bit more practical but still trail worthy (need more space inside and automatic). Currently the two top contenders are a 4-door JK or a Toyota FJ Cruiser, which we'll likely be buying new within the next 2-3 months.

I want to sell my TJ privately since it's had a lot of work done to it and the dealers' trade in offers only reflect prices for a stock vehicle. Also, it's painted zebra striped... which may or may not be a selling point! . I have no idea how much I should be asking for this as a private sale, and would be grateful if a few people could chime in with ball park figures.

It's a 2001 TJ sport 4l 6cy with approx. 140,000 miles on it. The engine and transmission (manual) are fine, everything works except the A/C (which probably has a leak in it somewhere but I haven't been bothered to pay someone to fix it since if it's warm I just take the top off). Here is a list of additional mods:

I'm sure there's more... it's been my baby for the last 7 years or so, but it's becoming impractical and painful to drive with a messed up knee. Plus, my hubby hates it

BTW, there is a picture in my profile which shows mostly what it looks like if anyone is interested. The suspension and fender flares have changed since that picture was taken (it had a 2.5" lift on back then).

Best thing to do is to look at what Jeeps of the same year with comparable miles are selling for in your area and price accordingly. You may or may not be able to get what you think all the mods are worth, odds are usually against it.

In fact the usual thought is that modifications decrease the value of a used Jeep. Lifts, especially body lifts are detrimental. Your herculiner job is considered by some to be no more than a rust coverup, and the zebra paint job does not help the possibility of a sale. Do some research on KBB and Edmunds for the used value in your area for your Jeep completely stock, and try to get that amount for it. Remember, the more "personalized" a vehicle is, the less it is worth to the buying public.

If you use the KBB value of a Excellent condition and remember less than 15% of cars sold even come to close to this. Paint is everything next to interior and mechanical. no flaws.

about low5500 to high6800. but the jeep looks nice to me. prices vary to on market of the area. We have alot of older used jeep in this area. so its harder to get top dollar when you can find Yj's and even Cj in rather good condition, no rust out here. They out live there owner like a parrot.

If it was a Lj sahara or Rubihara it would have a lot more value with low miles. I know a Lj sahara with like 35k on it, still has factory rubber last i seen.

I looked on Craigslist and KBB before I posted. KBB had it valued at approx $5k for a trade-in and $6k for private sale, which is really more than I was expecting for a 13 year old vehicle anyway. When I looked at CL similar Jeeps are being advertised for a lot more than that in my area ($8-12k, some private, some dealerships)... trouble is there is no way of telling if they are actually selling at those prices. This is why I was asking... there seems to be a lot of disparity. I guess I will start high and go from there since I'm really not in a massive hurry to sell. I just didn't want to sell it for way less than it's worth only to find out later that I could have had another $2k in my pocket.

What you have here are private owners who think their jeeps are worth $5 grand more than they are because they put $4 grand of mods on them. The dealerships all want more than private sellers, lots of times lots more. People who know jeeps rarely buy from dealerships unless they find a real deal. The secret here is that they know what a real deal is. If you are not in a hurry to sell, I would put it up for $6,000 and see what happens. Keep us posted.

I think the Zebra paint job looks well done . I think what the people that have remarked on your Jeep don't realize is your location . They don't know you live in Jeep country , probably an hour from the Rubicon , and 4 wheeling every where . I know because I live in Reno . I like your Jeep and think you should keep it !

The true value of a vehicle that has been modified and not only that but modified for a specific purpose always will be extremely difficult to quantify.
Why, because most possible buyers are not going to be you. Case in point the zebra paint job. That paint job could be worth $10K worth and a true shield against the elements but Joe Buyer is not going to give a hoot about that protection.
When ever we invest on our toys and build up from the stock option, we are decreasing the value of the vehicle if we decide to sell it but we are increasing our own fun.
The more fun we have, the less value it earns for possible sell.
I know, I will never ever see a dime of what I have spent on my Beast of Burden.

I think the Zebra paint job looks well done . I think what the people that have remarked on your Jeep don't realize is your location . They don't know you live in Jeep country , probably an hour from the Rubicon , and 4 wheeling every where . I know because I live in Reno . I like your Jeep and think you should keep it !

Well its not wheeling everywhere. I lived there in the 60-70's, was wheeling everywhere, then. My best friends dad was in the early Hi-Low's. That is when and were i was Jeep addicted. Though I still go back there every year to run a trail or two in Cal not to far away, in the summer.

I would wait for a buyer. If the thing still runs well, I would not sell for under 6 if you do not need the money.